Rio Mamore Apistogramma

Rio Mamore Apistogramma (Apistogramma erythrura) is a handsome and less commonly available species from the Mamoré River system in Bolivia and Brazil. The species name erythrura means 'red tail' — referencing the vivid red caudal fin coloration in males. The body displays warm yellow-gold tones with blue iridescence and bold lateral markings, making this a genuinely attractive and collectible species.

Feeding & Care Tip: Always soak Hikari Micro Pellets in a small cup of tank water for 30–60 seconds before feeding — Apistogrammas can be prone to bloat from dry foods expanding in the gut. Hikari Vibra Bites are an excellent treat option; the sinking worm-like shape triggers the natural hunting instinct of these micro-predators and they will snap them up eagerly. Red tail coloration is most vivid in soft, slightly acidic water. Indian almond leaves and dark substrate are beneficial. For breeding conditioning, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms fed 2–3 times per week reliably trigger spawning behavior and improve egg quality.

Native to the Mamoré River drainage in Bolivia and western Brazil — a major tributary of the Madeira River and ultimately the Amazon. The Mamoré system carries soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with abundant aquatic vegetation and leaf litter.

Keep one male with two or more females. Males display their vivid red tail coloration actively during territorial interactions. Peaceful with small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras. Its origin from the Bolivian Amazon gives it genuine collector appeal.

Apistogrammas are cave-spawning dwarf cichlids. The female takes on all parental duties — she guards the eggs and fry aggressively while her body turns bright canary yellow as a warning signal. Males should be watched during this period as females may attack them to protect the spawn; providing sight-breaks with plants and décor helps reduce tension. Coconut caves, clay pots, or driftwood crevices all make excellent spawning sites. Fry are initially tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp for their first meals. Apistogrammas are found in the leaf-litter zones of blackwater forest streams and require a well-decorated aquarium to feel secure and display their best color. A dark substrate, driftwood, leaf litter (Indian almond leaves are ideal), and dense planting around the edges with open sandy areas in the center replicates the natural habitat and dramatically reduces stress. Stressed apistos hide, fade in color, and become susceptible to disease. A comfortable apisto is a spectacular one.

Care & Ideal Parameters